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FFA ends de Reus' tenure at Matildas

Ben McKay

The players' union has warned Football Federation Australia (FFA) that the removal of Hesterine de Reus from the Matildas' coaching job will not end player disharmony.

FFA chief executive David Gallop announced the move on Thursday, saying a review had concluded a change in coaches would be in the best interests of the team.

With the Matildas set to contest the Asian Cup in Vietnam next month, Sydney FC's W-League coach Alen Stajcic has been appointed interim coach.

A full review and long-term coaching appointment will follow that tournament.

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With reports of player disharmony in the Matildas' camp, de Reus' departure after 15 months in the job comes as little surprise.

Under de Reus' strict disciplinarian style, several Matildas are understood to have clashed with the Dutch coach.

Reported complaints included a heavy-handed approach to free time while away with the team, barring family members from visiting.

The Matildas' highest-profile player - dual international Elysse Perry - was also shown the door from the national team for dividing her time between soccer and cricket.

The disharmony turned into a FFA investigation, making de Reus' position untenable.

A full review into the Matildas' program, including the coaching roles, will occur after the May Asian Cup event.

Professional Footballers' Australia (PFA) chief executive Adam Vivian said he hoped that review would start immediately and finally address claims from the playing group of breaches to their playing agreements.

Those allegations include:

* unilateral imposition of workplace conditions in breach of the CBA

* payment irregularities

* health and safety concerns

* intimation of non-selection if players take overseas contracts.

Vivian said it would be unfair to throw all of those issues at de Reus' feet.

"She's a coach. She's not involved in payments and the like ... a lot of these issues remain unresolved."

Nevertheless, de Reus' removal is likely to bring a more harmonious atmosphere to the Matildas' dressing room.

The controlling approach by de Reus contrasted sharply with that of her predecessor Tom Sermanni.

Sermanni will become favourite to return to the position after he left the USA national women's team coaching job a fortnight ago.

Sermanni was a player favourite, well known for his nurturing approach.

De Reus' last result in charge of the Matildas was a 2-1 win over Brazil.